Konjac is a chewy substance which is added to desserts or used as a thickener. According to the Centre for Food Safety (CFS), the ingredient’s choking risk is exacerbated when served in mouth-sized jelly cups, which are often slurped.
Last year, a coroner suggested a ban of the product, after hearing the case of a girl who choked to death while consuming the confectionary at school.
The CFS now proposes banning konjac from containers less than 4.5cm in length or width.
All other prepackaged konjac-containing jellies not covered by this rule must also come with a label, warning consumers of the choking risk.
Speaking on an RTHK programme on Monday, doctor Lam Wing-wo sided with the proposals.
“I think this is a good direction. The proposals can help prevent such tragic incidents,” he said.
“But I think the most important part is to educate parents. Some parents think konjac is very attractive, or it contains dietary fibre, but for children, the nutrition value of konjac is very low.”
Lam explained how konjac leads to choking.
“Konjac does not dissolve in water quickly. So when you eat it and you are unaware that it blocked your throat, it will almost immediately block the airway and lead to lack of oxygen,” he said.
Lawmakers will discuss the proposal on Thursday. The ban will take effect six months after the amendments to the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations are passed, with the labelling rule to follow half a year later.
